BURNLEY Council has been criticised for promoting a free Christmas parking offer - for car parks that are already free.

In a press release sent to the Lancashire Telegraph the council said it was "giving shoppers in Burnley a festive treat in the run up to Christmas with free evening parking in any of its car parks.

"The facility runs from 6pm every evening on all council-run town centre car parks.

"In addition shoppers will also be able to enjoy free parking on the same car parks throughout Sunday."

However, there is already no charge after 6pm or on Sundays and Bank Holidays for the facilities.

Leader of the Labour opposition on the council Andy Tatchell said: "It seems that the council have granted residents free parking where free parking already exists, which is just typical.

"This is another example of trying to promote something they have done where in reality they have done nothing.

"It is just spin."

And Conservative counc-illor for Cliviger with Worsthorne David Heginbo-tham said: "I will raise this with the council as it seems to be a very strange thing to do to offer free parking for Christmas when it is already free during the rest of the year."

But Gordon Leighton, Burnley Council's engine-ering manager, defended the offer and said they wanted to remind people of the free parking.

He said: "We are keen for shoppers to make the most of the extended shopping hours in the run up to Christmas and this is one way of making things a little easier for them.

"There has been some confusion in the past about whether council car parks are free to use during this period but hopefully people will now be encouraged to come and enjoy the festive spirit during the next few weeks."

The full list of council car parks offering free evening parking facilities is: Pioneer, Burnley Town Hall, Finsley Gate, King Street, Parker lane, Elizabeth Street, Grimshaw street, Cow Lane, Centenary Way, Orchard Bridge, Standish Street, and the Thompson Centre.